GoPro releases Wi-Fi BacPac and Remote for HERO actioncams

You can take that GoPro HERO actioncam of yours, and stick it someplace inaccessible ... after which, you’ll be able to remotely start and stop recording, if you’ve got GoPro’s new Wi-Fi BacPac + Wi-Fi Remote Combo Kit. The company officially released the system today.

The Wi-Fi BacPac attaches to the back of an existing HERO, allowing it to send and receive WiFi signals. This is paired with the waterproof and wearable Remote, which can control up to 50 BacPac-equipped HEROs from a range of up to 600 feet (180 meters).

The GoPro Wi-Fi BacPac, with a HERO actioncam

A future software update will allow cameras using the BacPac to stream video live to the internet. Additionally, an upcoming app will let people use their iOS or Android smartphones or tablets in place of the Remote, and will allow them to see a live video feed from the camera on their device’s screen.

The Wi-Fi BacPac + Wi-Fi Remote Combo Kit is available from the company website and in stores now, for US$99.99. Below is a demo video shot by skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, in which he used the system to control 50 HEROs while skateboarding through New York City.